The Eidsfos Iron Works dates back to 1697 and was known as Norway's best in the 1700s. Even though the iron works were closed in 1873, the production of cast iron stoves, combines and freight wagons continued. This production required an efficient transport network, and that was the reason why the Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line was built. The trade union in Tønsberg supported the line since they hoped that it could bring more customers to the city. The 48-kilometre long railway line opened between Tønsberg and Eidsfoss on 21 October 1901.
Slow
It took eight years to construct the line, operated by _A/S Tønsberg—Eidsfossbanen_, later _Vestfold Privatbaner_. The line had connections with the Holmestrand—Vittingfoss Line at Hof and the Vestfold Line at Jarsberg Points near Tønsberg. The trains on the narrow-gauged line was first pulled by steam locomotives. It was said that the speed was so slow that the passengers could walk along the track and pick berries while the train was running. Stronger locomotives were later put in service, for instance a railcar in 1930.
Deficit
The line was used as a part of a transport network for tourists. It was possible to take a two-day trip from Oslo with a steamship on the Eikeren Lake to Eidsfoss and further to Tønsberg by using the train. The return back to Oslo was with another steamship from Tønsberg. Despite the tourist traffic and the amount of agricultural products transported, the line was never profitable. Neither the trade union in Tønsberg nor other private actors were interested to finance the line for future operation. As many other branch lines in Norway, the Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line was competed by bus services. As a result, the line was closed in 1938.
The Eidsfoss—Tønsberg Line today
Many remains of the line exist. At Freste there is a water stop and a railway bridge marked as a POI along the road between Tønsberg and Revetal. Revetal Station is preserved and a restaurant today. At Reidvintunet in Holmestrand Municipality, a copy of Ramnes Station has been built by Vestfold Privatbaner Museum. The locomotive shed remains at Eidsfoss as well as tracks near the steamship quay.
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